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President Obama escalated a war of words with Republican foe Mitt Romney, challenging the former Massachusetts governor to explain his 2007 comments suggesting that it might not be worth leveraging all U.S. resources to find Osama bin Laden.
The president denied that he or the United States were engaged in "excessive celebration" to mark the one-year anniversary of the mission that ended successfully with bin Laden's assassination at a safe haven in Pakistan.
Yuri Gripas / Reuters
President Obama denied that he or the United States were engaged in "excessive celebration" to mark the one-year anniversary of the mission that ended successfully with bin Laden's assassination at a safe haven in Pakistan.
"I hardly think that you have seen any excessive celebration taking place here," the president said at the White House. "And I think for us to use that time for some reflection, to give thanks to those who participated is entirely appropriate, and that's what's been taking place."
Obama continued, making no mention of Romney by name, but clearly intending to put his general election opponent on the spot, while taking a degree of credit for the mission.
Obama said in response:
As far as my personal role and what other folks would do, I'd just recommend that everybody take a look at people's previous statements in terms of whether they thought it was appropriate to go into Pakistan and take out bin Laden.
I assume that people meant what they said when they said it. That's been at least my practice. I said that I'd go after bin Laden if we had a clear shot at him and I did.
If there are others who have said one thing and now suggest they'd do something else, then I'd go ahead and let them explain it.
That was an unmistakable reference toward Romney's 2007 comments to the Associated Press that "it’s not worth moving heaven and earth spending billions of dollars just trying to catch one person," meaning bin Laden.
Those comments have become part of a bit of political gamesmanship surrounding the anniversary of the bin Laden mission, as Obama's re-election campaign works to win the president credit for his decision to authorize the risky mission.
Romney said after an event this morning in New Hampshire that "of course" he would have given the order to authorize the bin Laden mission. "Even Jimmy Carter would have given that order," said the former Massachusetts governor.
The Obama campaign has used Romney's 2007 remarks, though, to imply that Romney wouldn't have given that order.
"I also think it's worthwhile to make sure that, as we're heading into this general election ... the American people know where Mitt Romney did stand on it. It's not exploitation, it's fact," Obama's deputy campaign manager, Stephanie Cutter, told Andrea Mitchell this afternoon on MSNBC. "Mitt Romney ... said he wouldn't have gone into Pakistan to pursue bin Laden with actionable intelligence if the Pakistanis wouldn't get him [bin Laden]. And he also said he wouldn't move heaven and earth to get bin Laden. Well, the president did move heaven and earth."
After the Obama campaign released a campaign video that critics are calling an overt politicization of the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound, the President challenged Mitt Romney, bringing up the presidential candidate's comments from 2007 when he said the go-it-alone policy would be 'ill-timed and ill-considered.' NBC's Chuck Todd reports.
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Move heaven and earth, where do you want it? Mitt... Bend over, we know a good place to put it. Sideways...
Bizarro nation, Romney, Super pacs, Fox
News, Republican congress and state representatives
Bizarro
Nation - The American people always wondered where the money was coming from to
spread these lies at will. This to me is a form of Treason by conspiracy.
Anti-American policies. So the ALEC and the Republican Party want to buy the
elections again. That is why the Republicans in Congress voted NO to everything
to move the country forward- they wanted things to go bad to capitalize on
American people’s miseries. How low can they go? We see the laws against women,
the hate against working class people as freeloaders, the pro-war agendas but
veterans fend for yourself when you get back, the poor is equated to third
world countries and should be happy to get whatever they get. I'm sure the
people that back this conspiracy has been brainwashed to think they will
benefit and everyone against it is the reason America is becoming a socialist
country. We still have FREEDOMs and it’s not sanctioned to certain segments of
our society aka. Right-wing fear mongering, war profiteers, bible thumping
zealots filled with hate. Transparency is required on both sides. The American
People wants to know - follow the money. Bizarro nation in full court press.
WTFHAPPENED
Rick-549809
I believe those are much better than the A.C.L.U. or A.C.O.R.N !
Could you Please send both of these organizations to the middle east!
See what happens to the A.C.L.U. or A.C.O.R.N. there! L.O.L.
Actually mike -
These are the ones that sent American jobs there for profit and cheaper labor. now they want to come back for Americans to work for the labor they paid over there. Go figure. Are you one of those from the Bizarro Nation?
Bin Laden's death is a VICTORY for the USA. He eluded capture for over 10 years!! Like if Bush has gotten him, they wouldn't have celebrated????? Gimmee a break!! Now the GOP has the audacity to piss on this victory??? Well, face the wind, dear friends. Just like Detroit, and women's health, and taxes, and the direction of this country, Romney is WRONG FOR AMERICA!!! Question: if it takes 8 years to dig a hole, how long does it take to fill it? Hint...the answer is not 3 years. We need to stay the course and not go back to failed policies and misleadership offered by the GOPathetics and their Tea Bagger fanatics.
OBAMA BIDEN 2012!!!
Maobama could'nt organize a ham sandwich. He's in so far over his head, he needs a snorkel.
The scary part is, this country elected an unknown, un-vetted senator, who was THE most liberal, in the Senate. Why? Cause he talks really well. Are you libs kidding, with this guy?
YOU KNOW: Try a new line buddy, this one's tired and faded.'
Besides which, what the phuk does his vote have to do with Afghanistan???
you know (nothing)....more baseless irrelevant rhetoric.....just like your Willard.
Joke...a conservative, a liberal and a moderate walk into a bar. The bartenders says, 'Hi Mitt'. HAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
OBAMA BIDEN 2012
Maobama did'nt kill Bin Laden. A seal team did. The arrogance of the Pr!ck in Chief, knows no bounds.
STAN: Don't hand me that crap buddy. If Dubya had gotten him the GOP would be in parades all around the country.
When the Allies invaded Normandy, what did the papers say? "Eisenhower invades France"
When MaCarthur landed at the Philippines, days after the fighting on the beach ended, every staff photographer in creation was their and what did Mac say??? 'People of the Philippines, I have returned".
And both these guys were Republicans buddy.
Maybe President Obama should have flown onto an aircraft carrier after Bin Laden was killed and announced it to the world under a banner that said..."Mission Accomplished.....This Time For Real".....BTW...The Righties only show how small,petty,and unpatriotic they are by not giving The President of The United States credit when credit is due...
Commander in Chief gave the order to go. Just like he did to take out the Somali pirates. Awww, don't like that answer? Try this one--HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
OBAMA BIDEN 2012.
Romney's and the Republican's Campaign Strategy.....Hope America has AMNESIA ..
That Mitt don't fit ! Vote Obama/Biden 2012...and.... Remember the last time a RepubliCON was in The White House....
Romney’ Bizarro Nation
Romney and his extreme-Republican base have publicly stated
the president hasn’t done enough on record to run against Republican policies.
These political advertisements are pretty accurate portrayals of what’s been
going on since taking over the mess left by Republican policies. The economy and
jobs were sunk by them and because president Obama can’t in 3 years fix what
they created with 8 years of Bush & Republican policies they suggest he has
failed the American people. That seems to me akin to the comic book of Superman
having to fight the Bizarro character. The Bizarro half of Americans still
believing trickle-down economics is working has bought (hook, line &
sinker) into the blatant lies of the Republican Bizarro nation. With all the
ugliness of Republican policies still being peeled away these Bizarro’s try
telling people the President lied because he didn’t fix their mess fast enough
after he made promises. Now they want another chance to totally destroy
whatever American virtues or dreams of hope is left. I would not be surprised
if we found out if corporations made a pact with Republicans (vice versa) not
to hire or grow their business on promises that Republicans can re-take the
Presidency by refusing to help the President in any way (Policy of “NO”) and
they would side with whatever the corporation wanted to repeal or new policies
for monetary support in campaigning for 2012. It partially worked in 2010.
Republican launched new laws against women rights, voting rights, immigration
and gays and lesbian rights never did get around to producing those JOBS, JOBS,
and JOBS they promised. America we have found the anchor that’s holding back
America. It’s the REPUBLICAN BIZARRO NATION and they are everywhere. We need
eyes and ears to call them out on whatever bizarre tactic they use. We will
take back our Country Back. That is the new title for these extreme right-wing
conservative Republicans - BIZARRO NATION,
WTFHAPPENED
Romney is a flip-flop.
Joke...a conservative, a liberal and a moderate walk into a bar. The bartenders says, 'Hi Mitt'. HAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Maybe George W Bush will come out of hiding on this glorious anniversary, praise and thank Obama and his staff for doing what he couldn't...
Nah, that would be too honorable...
Anything to Change the Conversation!
ITS All About JOBS -- Stupid!
NOT PR !
PS - Maybe Obama can DO something Positive and Adopt a Negro Male?
HANKS: What's the matter buddy, the truth killing you, huh?
The Racist Right....as usual...pathetic and un-American...
You need to repeat that jobs stuff to your Repuke pals. That's the platform they ran on 2 years ago. They got lost I guess.
Common nonsense--your cleaner called, go pick up your white hoody for the Klan rally tonight.
Hank , your an obvious Troll.I Corps RVN Camp Carrol 3 tours 5th Marines Hue, Khe Sahn, nineth Marines and Con Tien grids 6341,6343 and all the way to Phu Bai.
Never mind the fruit salad, I don't try to get attention on a post by mentiong the dead.MOS 0302 Dog Patch an area VC held, but you could drop off get sex and get back on board. You must be a dog face,not a squid for damn sure. The cards say air dale,or Remington raider. you are a wannabesomething for sureI hope you can find it.Dura tey len dau
It is simple! Barry Obama is an IDIOT!!!!
Smart enough to win The Presiudency and be leading for re-election....just the facts JJ...
This post must have taken you all day to write...
He sleeps in the WH and rides in the big plane. How about you?
J**** Jones.....constitutional scholar, first black president of Harvard Law Review. Raised by his single mom on foodstamps, then raised by his grandparents. POTUS.
I know why you don't like him-he's half Irish!!!!!!
I'd love to hear your inspiring story of overcoming adversity--not. You're pathetic (and change your 'name')
BIZARRO NATION
Check your
calendars this time there will not be any swift boating, any lies will be
exposed and challenged, Hell thanks to the Bizarro nation people are not
fearing what could happen - it already did. I hope Republicans keep using
history because it uncovers many other dirty deeds perpetrated on the American
people for greed and power. Republicans might want to check their women too
because I do think today's modern women are not going for that "Leave it
to Beaver" character of June as a role model (Okie-Dok). The world has
changed and the Bizarro Nation will be defeated and this case Superman is the
entire nation of Americans. Beware of Truth. Choose your words wisely.
Somebody's watching you.
WTFHAPPENED
Let the big dogs out Mr. President! Let's kick this greedy nerd all the way back to his money in the Cayman Islands!
OBAMA 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mr. President, I must commend and applaud you for making the decision to take out OBL! Thank you, Sir!
Let me also applaud the fact that you were the first man to rise up out of the ashes of national prejudice, to become the first Black President. I say this as a White man.
Nevertheless, I will vote for Mitt Romney in November. Why?
1-As a business owner, your policies are making it more and more difficult for me to make payroll; in fact, I almost had to close my small business, coming to the brink at 3 different times in the past 2 years.
2-We do NOT need health care overhauled, at least NOT your way. We ALREADY have medical treatment for those who do not have insurance. Public hospitals can not refuse treatment due to financial inability.
3-Every time you give a speech, I can tell when you are about to tell a big lie; you begin to stutter...not your normal "uh", but a more staccato type speech. Your voice rises and your words come faster. How do I know you are lying? Because you are saying things that are totally opposite to what you said at other times.
4-For the 1st time in our nation's history, our President, you Sir, has declared publicly, to the world, that our nation is NO LONGER CHRISTIAN.
5-You bowed to an Arab dictator.
6-You fight energy exploration and development at every turn.
My list goes on, Mr. President. I have prayed for you, as President, and will continue to do so. However, I will also be praying that our President for the next for years, has enough fortitude to stand up for America, and NEVER apologize for being American.
Randy, spoken like a true texas tea-bagger.
I guess using the bin Laden death in the first round of Obama political ads doesn't count as "Excessive celebration"?
And don't tell me what Bush did. He's not the President now.
Yeah Tim we'd all like to forget bush.
But you can't, can you? He's the lib answer to all of Obama's detractors.
The president did nothing more than any sitting president would do. He did his job. He finished the job left behind by his former predecessor. Any special thanks should go to the brave SEAL team 6 members and military that carried out the mission. it seems to me that President Obama does a lot of celebrating. More than any past leaders. And so does his administration. On the public money. I don't think this is time for celebrating. More like a time to stay focused on fixing this bad economy and getting more of us back to work in decent jobs we can live and grow on. He patromizes the public with false empathy and worse false promises that mean nothing to him. A ploy for re-election in hopes enough fools will buy it.
Promise Broken rulings on the The Obameter
Increase the capital gains and dividends taxes for higher-income taxpayers
Increase capital gains and dividends taxes from 15 to 20 percent for those making more than $250,000 (couples) or $200,000 (single)
>> More
Expand the child and dependent care credit
Expand and make refundable the child and dependent care credit.
>> More
Create a foreclosure prevention fund for homeowners
Create a $10 billion fund to help homeowners refinance or sell their homes. "The Fund will not help speculators, people who bought vacation homes or people who falsely represented their incomes."
>> More
Provide option for a pre-filled-out tax form
Will direct the Internal Revenue Service to "give taxpayers the option of a pre-filled tax form to verify, sign and return to the IRS or online. This will eliminate the need for Americans to hire expensive tax preparers and to gather information that the federal government already has on file."
>> More
Create a mortgage interest tax credit for non-itemizers
Create a refundable tax credit equal to 10 percent of mortgage interest for nonitemizers, up to a maximum credit of $800.
>> More
Require automatic enrollment in 401(k) plans
Automatic enrollment in 401(k) plans for workers whose employers offer retirement plans.
>> More
Require automatic enrollment in IRA plans
Require employers who do not offer retirement plans to offer their workers access to automatic IRAs and contribute via payroll deduction.
>> More
Create a retirement savings tax credit for low incomes
A tax credit for retirement savings up to $500 (couples) or $250 (singles). Phases out when incomes exceed $65,000 (couples) or $32,500 (single). Indexed for inflation.
>> More
End income tax for seniors making less than $50,000
"Will eliminate all income taxation of seniors making less than $50,000 per year. This will eliminate taxes for 7 million seniors -- saving them an average of $1,400 a year-- and will also mean that 27 million seniors will not need to file an income tax return at all."
>> More
End no-bid contracts above $25,000
"Will ensure that federal contracts over $25,000 are competitively bid."
>> More
Repeal the Bush tax cuts for higher incomes
Repeal the Bush tax cuts for those making more than $250,000 (couples) or $200,000 (single)
>> More
Phase out exemptions and deductions for higher earners
Restore the phaseouts of personal exemptions and itemized deductions for those making more than $250,000 (couples) or $200,000 (single), with threshholds indexed for inflation.
>> More
Sign the Employee Free Choice Act, making it easier for workers to unionize
"Obama is a cosponsor and strong advocate of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), a bipartisan effort to make the unionization process more transparent and increase penalties on companies that violate employee rights. He will sign EFCA into law as president."
>> More
Lift the payroll tax cap on earnings above $250,000
"Barack Obama believes that the first place to look to strengthen Social Security is the payroll tax system. Obama believes that one strong option is increasing the maximum amount of earnings covered by Social Security by lifting the payroll tax cap on only earnings above $250,000."
>> More
Forbid companies in bankruptcy from giving executives bonuses
"Protect the jobs and benefits of workers and retirees when corporations file for bankruptcy by telling companies that they cannot issue bonuses for executives during bankruptcy while their workers watch their pensions disappear."
>> More
Allow workers to claim more in unpaid wages and benefits in bankruptcy court
"Increase the amount of unpaid wages and benefits workers can claim in bankruptcy court against their employer."
>> More
Allow imported prescription drugs
"Allow Americans to buy their medicines from other developed countries if the drugs are safe and prices are lower outside the U.S."
>> More
Prevent drug companies from blocking generic drugs
"Prevent drug companies from blocking generic drugs from consumers."
>> More
Allow Medicare to negotiate for cheaper drug prices
"Allow Medicare to negotiate for cheaper drug prices."
>> More
Appoint federal-level coordinator to oversee all federal autism efforts
"They will appoint a Federal ASD Coordinator to oversee federal ASD research and federal efforts to improve awareness of ASD and improve the training of medical professionals to identify and treat ASD. By establishing one top-level point person to coordinate ASD efforts in the White House, they will ensure that ASD receives the recognition and priority it deserves in the federal government. The Federal ASD Coordinator will also be tasked with eliminating bureaucratic obstacles that may be delaying implementation of important ASD measures and ensuring that all federal ASD dollars are being spent in a manner that prioritizes results. The Coordinator will work with state task forces on ASD to ensure effective communication and collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies."
>> More
Romney loves to tell you he has plans but he never tells you what they are. The problem with telling each group what they want to hear is that eventually they will all be watching you and expecting an answer at the same time. Almost like having all of your girlfriends show up at the same party...
How can anyone take Romney seriously? This guy changes his stance on things every time you turn around. It's fine to be open minded and able to change one's mind but this guy is ridiculous. Grow a spine Mitt.
I would like to know how Mr. Obama voted on the Iraq troop surge since he takes credit for the success that was handed to him. What were his votes on the military funding in prior years which allowed the military to be prepared to go and get Osama. Oh, and by the way, since he blames so many things on George Bush perhaps he should give Bush some credit for providing the basis which allowed the success in Iraq (at least until it has been upended by the current president) as well as being able to find and get Osama. The action Obama took was to add troops in Afghanistan and now to be removing them prior to the election with little to show for it. He also backed the removal of Mubarak. How is that going? He supported the removal of Gadafi. How is that going? Mr. Obama is very selective in what he puts in front of the public for their attention. To me, his overall record is not so wonderful.
He's all show and no go!!
Are you really a gnome? Do you belong to the Bizarro nation. I think obama did give credit to Bush - he lied us into Iraq - he had 2 wars going and gave away tax breaks to the rich - ease laws for banks and housing to rip off the nation, issued no bid military contracts - lost $900 million dollars cash sent to Iraq on pallets. Bush gets his credit and we're all still feeling his glory.
Obama did Al Qaeda a favor by killing off their ineffective, over-the-hill, dysfunctional leadership. They are a more dangerous organization now.
and that intelligence evaluation comes from where? your bathroom wall perhaps? Recovered information showed he was actively planning more attacks and still in contact with many operatives (some of who no longer exist since the raid). Go back to your comic books. Pathetic.
Look at the photo of Obama in the war room. He looks like he just got out of bed!! He actually looks really ticked off that someone got him out of bed. Here's the way that it went that night!!
GENERALS: "So do we have your permission to kill Osama upon entering his domicile??"
OBAMA: "You mean you got me out of bed for this?? I was having a dream where I was having sex with Sarah Palin. Just do it and wake me up in the morning so I know what to tell the press. I sure hope that I can get back to that dream!"
Z man, Palin looked hot on TV and Todd hasn't found a job yet.
You might have a shot.
Naw ... I figure the lefties need someone to croon over. I mean Nancy Pelosi just doesn't cut it and Hillary looks like a guy!! Man .... the lefties really have some ugly women in the fold!!
Even Michelle Obama looks like a cast member of Planet of the Apes!!
6 Trillion dollars, for Bin laden's death, paid via our tax dollars!
This is all we get? We are now 6 trillion more in debt than when he became president!
Is this all O.B. has to come up with as his great achievement as president, for that amount of money?
That's it ... that's all he has!! Wait until the questions about the rest of his disastrous first term in office???
Who cares who got OBL!!! What I want to know..... Is who is going to make this economy grow!!!
Well.. Mitt sure is consistent at one thing, putting his foot in his mouth. How does that foot taste Mitt ? Good huh, you seem to like it, you keep eating that foot and soon you'll have nothing left to stand on.
Any one who votes for this guy should have to submit to a mandatory I.Q. test.
Infrasonic24
I guess Mitt does not have access to the telepromter like your commy boy does.
You sound like a paranoid, racist good ol' boy. Go back to your hole.
Infrasonic24
I will at least have a hole to hide in when the Crap hits the fan, it will not be in any city.
Maybe you should check out where the leaders go should the crap hits the fan. Not in Washington D.C.
Maybe O.B. will take you with him when they all go to the underground retreat in the mountains out west.
I Don't think that will happen, unless you are one of his personal body guards!
Yeah, paranoid definitely paranoid. I don't hide from anything.
Obama. Trailer trash in a suit with an affirmative action degree living in public housing his whole life. Lead from behind Mr. Proctologist.
that you are paying for lol
Is that the best you can do???? you're are not helping your right wing buddies out at all. You have failed to hold up your end. Like rumney said, he like to fire people......You're fired.
Republicans can't get by NO,NO,NO, NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,to American workers NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO, to the handicapped NO,NO,NO,NO, the disabled NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO, to ALL teachers NO,NO,NO, NO,NO,NO,NO,NO, to all firefighters NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO, to all Police NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO, TO OUR FUTURE THE STUDENTS NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,
AMERICA to the REPUBLICANS: NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO ITS PAYBACK TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!